Nascent

Chapter Nine

Lily's POV

Lily sighed as she surveyed the blank canvas in front of her, her art supplies scattered around the room. It had been ages since inspiration struck, and her brushes seemed to mock her with their bristles dipped in dried-up hues. Her art degree seemed to mock her from the wall, a constant reminder of a passion that had grown dormant. In an attempt to break free from the creative block, Lily decided to focus on her other passion – singing. She spent hours practicing in the comfort of her luxurious apartment, determined to shine at an underground jazz club where she performed regularly.

After what felt like an eternity, Lily got ready for the lunch Y/N had invited her for. She chose a cotton off-white, off-the-shoulder blouse and high-waisted dark blue denim jeans, paired with claret low-heeled pointed sandals. Her long, silky hair cascaded down her back, expertly curled for the occasion. A touch of mid-day makeup adorned her face, and she completed her look with a mini bag matching the shade of her sandals.

Exiting her apartment, she climbed into her light blue Volkswagen Beetle, a classic choice that matched her eclectic style. Lily turned on her favorite jazz playlist as she cruised through the city streets towards the venue.

However, the day took an unexpected turn when the car in front of her came to a sudden halt, narrowly avoiding a red light. The car with an elegant shade of black now with a damaged rear only set panic in her as she anticipated potential damage to her car's front end. Both cars pulled to the nearest curb, and Lily, frustrated, prepared to scold the reckless driver as she got outside of her car and leaned against her door.

To her surprise, a man with a cold gaze emerged from the other car. His caramel hair brushed just above his eyes with a glowing honey-shaded complexion. Dressed in brown trousers and an open beige button-down shirt, and a vintage Cartier squared wristwatch adorned his wrist. It seemed as if he came from a high profile office job based on his attire. He looked like sophistication personified as he approached her with long strides and his tall figure blocking the sunlight.

"Excuse me, miss, you hit my car," he said, his tone indifferent. Lily, with her arms crossed as her irritation flared, retorted "You're the one who stopped out of nowhere. Having your car hit is very predictable, just shows how neglectful you are."

He countered, "You're telling me being an obedient citizen of the law means I deserve this?" as he raised his hands defensively. She rolled her eyes and replied, "Yes, it's your fault. You know what? I don't have time for this; I don't have time for you. I have plans with people to see and things to do."

"I have plans too in which you interrupted because of you colliding into me" he scoffed now that it was his turn to cross his arms, as Lily got into her car.

"Give me your card so I can pay for the expenses for hitting my car, though it seems like you're capable of that." Noticing his well-off vibes while glaring at him.

"I could say the same to you, but I wouldn't waste a chance of teaching a reckless driver a lesson on basic driving etiquette," he retorted. She snatched his card, fed up with the encounter, and handed him hers, saying, "I hope I don't have to see you again." She said as she got ready to leave and before she could roll her window all the way up he mutters "The feeling is mutual '' leaving him standing under the sun with a sarcastic smile, his damaged car in the background.

Later, as Lily arrived at the restaurant, the grandeur and opulence struck her. Ionic columns adorned the exterior, while inside, Doric columns and dim lighting created a sophisticated ambience. Posters and paintings of jazz artists decorated the walls, and the live band playing on a semi circle stage in the centre of the main hall music added to the enchantment. Red, fluffy chairs surrounded round tables. Colourful roses placed in sophisticated roses splattered across every table. And a long bar with low-hanging chandeliers and high wooden stools completed the scene.